Bella Mir Channels Her Father’s Legacy with Dominant Submission Win at UFC BJJ 1
- Mark Myword
- Jun 26
- 2 min read

Bella Mir, daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, proved that grappling excellence runs in the family with a commanding performance at UFC BJJ 1. The young and promising athlete submitted Carol Joia in the second round via D’Arce choke, signaling a powerful start to her career in the UFC’s new submission grappling division.
Already making waves as a collegiate wrestler, MMA fighter, and professional grappler, Bella Mir is quickly becoming one of the sport’s brightest prospects. On Wednesday night, she took the next big step in her career by entering the octagon under the UFC BJJ banner — and she delivered a performance that showcased her potential as both a technician and a finisher.
From the opening bell, Mir controlled the pace and positioning. The first round saw her dominate from the top, applying heavy pressure and systematically passing Joia’s guard. She threatened with an arm-triangle choke, nearly finishing the bout early, but Joia showed grit by resisting the submission and surviving the round.
However, Mir’s relentless pressure and superior grappling instincts became even more apparent in the second round. Though Joia attempted to turn the tide with a leg lock attack, Mir calmly defended the submission attempt and used the ensuing scramble to her advantage. In a flash, she latched on to a D’Arce choke, cinching it tightly. Joia attempted to fight through the squeeze, but Mir’s technique and positioning left no room for escape. The tap came shortly thereafter, giving Mir her first win inside the UFC BJJ cage.
The performance was both calculated and commanding, highlighting Mir’s grappling IQ and physical strength. Her submission win at such a prominent event reaffirms that she’s more than just the daughter of a legend — she’s crafting her own path with precision.
Her victory also aligns with the UFC’s mission to spotlight elite-level grapplers through its UFC BJJ series, a competitive platform tailored exclusively to submission-based combat. As UFC BJJ continues to gain momentum, fighters like Bella Mir are poised to become central figures in its growth.
Notably, UFC BJJ 1 featured a host of other notable submissions and title bouts, including Mikey Musumeci’s heel hook victory in the bantamweight title fight and Andrew Tackett’s rear-naked choke to secure the welterweight belt. But Mir’s performance stood out for the blend of raw power, technical composure, and family legacy — all of which she brought into the cage with authority.
With her unique combination of wrestling credentials, MMA experience, and now a submission victory under the UFC banner, Bella Mir is clearly an emerging force in women’s grappling. If this performance is any indication, her journey in UFC BJJ — and likely in the broader MMA world — is only just beginning.